Marilynn Dawson, NHP (vpn trbl (@songdove)

With many areas of North America suffering or having suffered various levels of wildfires this summer, and with discussions above and below the 49th Parallel centering around whether or not governments are doing enough to mitigate forest fire potential and better fight forest fires, fire mitigation and forest fuel management are popping up more and more frequently. One method of protecting property . . . is the use of vegetation that doesn't easily catch fire or stay aflame. As foragers, we can do our bit for forest management, by harvesting the peeling/shedding bark of the Ponderosa Pine tree, taking it home, grinding it up, and using it in place of cinnamon in our cooking, baking, drinks, etc. When we see downed branches with green pine, spruce or fir needles, we can snap off needle bunches and take them home as well. We can gather unopened green or brown cones of pine, spruce and fir, and make mugolio from them. Sap and resin that has hardened on the outside of conifer trunks can be broken off and taken home for use in salves and oils. Its easiest to harvest in winter Brown pine needles can be gathered and used to weave baskets and mats. Opened cones laying on the ground can be gathered for use in fall and winter crafts such as table center-pieces, votive candle accents, wreaths, garlands, in decorative jars, etc. Gathering windfall or deadfall is an ethical way of stocking up your pantry and craft cupboard while doing your part in forest fuel management. https://naturalhealthgodsway.ca/2026/08/26/forest-fuel-management-foraging-style/